Archaeological Anthropology

The study of human history and prehistory through excavation of sites and analysis of artifacts and other physical remains.

The Department of Anthropology offers a broad approach to the study of the archaeology of complex societies. By taking a worldwide view of the rise, maintenance, and collapse of ancient complex social organizations, we seek to present a theoretically integrated curriculum in the fields of archaeology and prehistory. Geographical interests of the current faculty include the Middle East, Mesoamerica, and Andean South America. Our theoretical foci include the origins of the state, the organization exchange, the impacts of long-distance interaction, diasporas and colonization, and Biblical archaeology.

The undergraduate program in anthropological archaeology incorporates comparative introductory courses; more advanced theoretical and topical courses in our areas of expertise, field schools in Jordan and Peru, and archaeologically oriented study abroad programs in Egypt, Mexico, and Central America. Undergraduate students also may gain research experience working in our laboratories or at the Museum of Man.

Please note: Lower division courses can overlap between your major, minor, and college requirements. Students may overlap two upper division courses between your major and minor by submitting a request in the Virtual Advising Center (VAC).